Adolescent pregnancy

The power of girls: African athletes call for gender equality, support for girls

Marcelle, 19, calls for girls to “get an education and be successful in life.” She and other elite athletes at the All African Games promoted girls’ rights, health and well-being through a variety of UNFPA-supported programmes. © UNFPA Congo

09 October 2015

Child marriage “shatters” the future of girls, communities

Roukiatou Youssoupha Diallo's wedding was cancelled, and she was allowed to stay in school. Here, she speaks with UNFPA officials in Debere Talata, Burkina Faso. © UNFPA Burkina Faso

02 October 2015

African Union leaders pledge to invest in promise of young people

Young people must be prioritized, African Union leaders declared at a high-level meeting yesterday. Youth like Luwiza Lewis, in Malawi, demonstrate how opportunities can translate into lasting progress. © UNFPA Malawi

30 September 2015

Girls' rights are a priority, say UN chief and UNFPA head

UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon meet with 15 girls from Nigeria's Kaduna State, who presented a drama about the challenges they face in their community. © UNFPA Nigeria/Adeola Olunloyo

09 September 2015

“I have value”: Brave polio survivor overcomes every obstacle

Paralysed and uneducated, Barira spent 16 years believing she had no value. Still, she had a fierce desire to learn. With a little help, she has rebuilt her life, making many friends, and becoming an active part of her community. © UNFPA

26 August 2015

In Guatemala, it's legal for a girl to marry as young as 14 — though many are married far younger than that. The result: Many girls marry men far older than themselves and become mothers long before they are physically and emotionally ready. Communicating the individual experiences of these child brides across cultural and language barriers became my passion, and, ultimately, my life's work. This project in Guatemala was done in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund. The film below was co-directed by Katie Orlinsky.

The power of girls: African athletes call for gender equality, support for girls

The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030

Child marriage “shatters” the future of girls, communities

African Union leaders pledge to invest in promise of young people

Girls' rights are a priority, say UN chief and UNFPA head

“I have value”: Brave polio survivor overcomes every obstacle

Too Young to Wed: Guatemala

International Day of the Girl Child 2015

New Study Shows Benefits of Family Planning to the Well-Being of Women, Families and Economies

UNFPA Launches Advocacy Platform for Post-2015 Development Framework